“We put a lot of hard work into our preparation since the semi-final because we knew we had to get better and fortunately we did just that.

“We didn’t make the best of starts with conceding an early goal but the girls fought back superbly and we are delighted to have won the cup again.

“It doesn’t stop here though because we are back in the all Ireland tournament now, so we’ll enjoy tonight and then get back to work again.”

Ballyclare assistant coach Zoe Wilson paid tribute to Banbridge and to her own team and insisted that they have a good chance of putting things right in 12 months time.

Banbridge celebrate scoring what proved to be the winning goal

“We knew going into the game that Banbridge were a very strong team and they proved that so well done to them,” said the Ireland World Cup silver medallist.

“But I was very proud of how our girls played and, with 12 players back next year, I am sure we will be capable of giving it a real go again.”

Ballyclare made a dream start when, after only three minutes, Rebecca Walker fired a penalty corner high into the net off a deflection after Rebecca McCullough had switched the ball back to her team mate.

After that setback, Bann laid siege to the Ballyclare goal and keeper Laura Chestnutt made a string of superb saves, denying Katie McDonald (twice) and Ellen Reid from set-pieces.

But the Academy pressure paid off when, in the 23rd minute, McDonald fired in a superb low shot into the net from her team’s fifth set-piece.

Mcdonald then shot wide and Benallal over as Bann launched attack after attack before Reid took a McCullough pile-driver off the line at the other end in the 29th minute.

Chestnutt then made a tremendous double save form Molly Mathers eight minutes after the break but she was beaten in the 43rd minute when the impressive Reid blasted in the winner from a penalty corner.

Ballyclare finished the stronger as they went in search of an equaliser, forcing three late corners without reward although Walker went agonisingly close to getting her second goal of the game when she fired inches past the post with six minutes left.

But the Academy held on and the cup was on its way back to Banbridge after a two year gap after one of the most exciting finals in years.